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Kismet residents press Seward County for work session on rural fire protection
Summary
Residents from Kismet told the Seward County Commission they face gaps in rural fire protection, urged consolidation or better staffing of local stations, and requested an evening work session in Kismet to present solutions and preserve the city's ISO rating.
Kismet residents asked the Seward County Board of Commissioners for an evening work session to address what they called inadequate rural fire protection.
"We want to express those concerns, real concerns about losing our property, houses, and—good God forbid—our lives," resident Greg Standard told the commission, asking that the board meet at the Kismet Pavilion so the community can present proposals. Cecil Milhaughn, another local resident, said he wanted staff at the Kismet station from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and questioned whether Seward and Liberal should operate two separate departments.
The request grew from public comment during the commission's regular meeting on May 4. Standard said a community group is prepared to help develop plans for improved fire suppression in rural Seward County and to retain Kismet’s ISO rating. Milhaughn echoed the safety concerns and argued that county tax dollars should support improved, locally resident staffing.
Why it matters: Public safety and emergency response times affect insurance ratings, property risk and the county's ability to safeguard rural residents. Commissioners did not take formal action on the request during the meeting; staff later said they would try to schedule a listening session in Kismet and coordinate dates with local leaders.
What’s next: County staff indicated they will reach out to Kismet officials to schedule a town meeting, with potential dates discussed during the meeting.
